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Nigeria have retained their position as the highest-ranked women’s football team in Africa, following the latest FIFA Women’s World Ranking published on June 12, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Despite a marginal increase of just 0.8 points, which saw them rise from 1622.49 to 1623.29 points, the nine-time African champions remain the continent’s best, holding firm at 36th in the world.
The rankings reflect matches played since the last update on March 6, 2025, in which Nigeria didn’t play any game but returned for two games against Cameroon in the May-June international window, recording one win and cancelling the other.
South Africa continues to trail Nigeria as the continent’s second-best side, ranked 54th globally with 1488.49 points. However, Banyana Banyana dropped 1.57 points from their previous tally of 1490.06, despite an impressive four-match winning streak.
Morocco, one of Africa’s best performers at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, dropped eight points to settle at 1419.63, falling to 60th in the global standings.
Cameroon made the most notable progress among African teams, despite losing their only game in the last international window to Nigeria. The Indomitable Lionesses climbed two places up to 64th with a 7.3-point increase to 1396.2.
Zambia, who continue to show promise on the continental stage, slipped slightly to 65th after losing 4.67 points. The Copper Queens’ recent form has been patchy, drawing twice and losing twice.
Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire remain unchanged in terms of points, each holding steady at 66th and 72nd, respectively. Both nations had mixed results, with Ghana recording a loss and a draw, while the Ivorians claimed a win and a draw.
Further down the African rankings, Mali (78th), Senegal (81st), and Algeria (82nd) all recorded no points change, each drawing all their fixtures in the match window.
Globally, the United States remain top despite a recent defeat to Brazil. Spain and Germany are closing in, while Brazil’s resurgence, including a victory over the Americans, has propelled them to fourth place. Egypt, Africa’s biggest climber, moved up seven places to 93rd, marking the most significant leap in the global rankings.
The next FIFA Women’s World Ranking update is scheduled for August 7, 2025, 10 days after the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations while the men’s ranking is scheduled to be officially released by the global governing body on July 10, 2025.
The 3-1 friendly win was the first time an African nation had defeated England at senior level.
After Harry Kane had given England the lead, Senegal took control to win 1-3 through goals from Ismaila Sarr, Habib Diarra and Cheikh Sabaly.
"Fantastic night. We knew we could do something in this game," Senegal captain Koulibaly told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"It was a tough game, but we showed our personality and showed we can play at this level."
Koulibaly likened the win to Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations victory in 2022.
"It is fantastic. We are not used to making history and we made it when we won AFCON, and we made it tonight," he added.
"We want to continue writing the story of Senegal. We wanted to show we have a good nation."
Senegal have become the first African country to beat England, following their 3-1 win in an international friendly on Tuesday night.
Before the game, the Three Lions had recorded a narrow 1-0 win over Andorra.
Thomas Tuchel had been critical of his team’s performance and demanded better against the Teranga Lions.
The hosts took the lead early through Captain Harry Kane.
But the Senegalese fought back to dominate the match played at the City Ground.
Ismaila Sarr made it 1-1 before Habib Diarra burst through to give the West Africans the lead.
England were sluggish about taking a free kick and it led to a counterattack, which saw Cheikh Sabaly put the game out of reach.
This is also Tuchel’s first defeat in charge of England.
Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal is reportedly negotiating a short-term loan deal to bring midfielder N’Golo Kanté from rivals Al Ittihad for the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States, according to transfer expert David Ornstein.
While no agreement has been finalised, there is growing optimism that a deal can be reached.
“Al Hilal are in talks to sign N’Golo Kanté on a short-term loan deal from fellow Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad for the Club World Cup,” Ornstein reported. “An agreement has not yet been reached but there is optimism that a deal can be done.”
Both clubs are controlled by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which acquired Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, Al Nassr, and Al Ahli ahead of the 2023 summer transfer window.
Al Hilal earned their spot in the expanded Club World Cup as the 2021 AFC Champions League winners, making them the only Saudi representative at the tournament.
Kanté, 34, joined Al Ittihad on a free transfer from Chelsea in July 2023 and played a key role in their Saudi Pro League title-winning campaign last season, finishing eight points ahead of Al Hilal.
The French midfielder, who has made 81 appearances for Al Ittihad, previously starred at Chelsea, where he won the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, and FA Cup across seven years and 269 appearances.
Kanté joined Chelsea from Leicester City for £30 million in 2016 after helping the Foxes secure their historic Premier League title.
Al Hilal, now led by former Inter Milan head coach Simone Inzaghi, boasts a squad featuring former European stars such as Rúben Neves, Aleksandar Mitrović, and Kanté’s ex-Chelsea teammate Kalidou Koulibaly.
The club will kick off their Club World Cup campaign against Real Madrid on June 18, followed by matches against Red Bull Salzburg on June 22 and Pachuca on June 26.
[Punch]
Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has become the most valuable player in the world.
According to Transfermarkt’s latest valuation updates, the Spain international has dethroned Vinícius Júnior to become the world’s most valuable footballer.
This follows his outstanding performances for both club and country over the past year.
The 17-year-old now ranks ahead of five Real Madrid stars — Vinícius, Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde and Rodrygo.
Mbappé and Bellingham are jointly valued at €180 million, placing them just behind Yamal in the overall standings.
Vinícius, meanwhile, has seen his valuation drop from €200 million to €170 million.
Most valuable players in the world at the moment:
Lamine Yamal – €200m
Jude Bellingham – €180m
Erling Haaland – €180m
Kylian Mbappé – €180m
Vinícius Júnior – €170m
Bukayo Saka – €150m
Pedri – €140m
Florian Wirtz – €140m
Jamal Musiala – €140m
Federico Valverde – €130m
Cole Palmer – €120m
Declan Rice – €120m
Alexander Isak – €120m
Rodri – €110m
Julián Álvarez – €100m
Michael Olise – €100m
Alexis Mac Allister – €100m
Phil Foden – €100m
Lautaro Martínez – €95m
Désiré Doué – €90m
Moisés Caicedo – €90m
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – €90m
Rodrygo – €90m
Raphinha – €90m
Ousmane Dembélé – €90m
Real Madrid are reportedly preparing a late move to hijack Arsenal-bound midfielder Martin Zubimendi, according to Marca.
The Gunners have been in advanced negotiations with Real Sociedad and have subsequently triggered Zubimendi’s £51 million release clause.
It is understood that only the medical remains before the deal becomes official, with all payment structures already agreed upon.
However, Real Madrid have made contact with Zubimendi’s representatives to ascertain whether the player has finalised an agreement with Arsenal.
It is claimed that the call from the La Liga giants has “changed everything,” with Zubimendi now aware of the possibility of joining them.
Real Madrid are now said to be considering a formal approach to Real Sociedad and are expressing a desire to sign Arsenal’s summer target.
Nevertheless, Arsenal remain confident they will secure their top transfer target, despite Madrid’s late intervention
Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has confirmed he will extend his stay with Al Nassr.
Ronaldo, speaking after their Nations League final win over Spain, said “nothing is gonna change”.
According to Fabrizio Romano’s post on X on Monday, the 40-year-old is now ready to commit his future to the Saudi Pro League side.
Romano wrote: “Cristiano Ronaldo confirms plan to stay at Al Nassr by signing a new deal.
“My future? Basically, nothing is gonna change. Staying at Al Nassr? Yea.”
Ronaldo’s future became uncertain with his current contract set to expire at the end of June and no progress in negotiations over fresh terms.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner joined Al Nassr in December 2022 after his contract with Manchester United was terminated.
His arrival marked a turning point for Saudi Arabian football, drawing global attention to the league and triggering a wave of high-profile signings across the league.
Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to extend his stay with Saudi pro side Al Nassr and is even prepared to sign a new deal.
According to Fabrizio Romano’s post on X on Monday, the Portuguese have dismissed rumours of leaving Al Nassr.
The post read, “Cristiano Ronaldo confirms plan to stay at Al Nassr by signing a new deal.
“My future? Basically, nothing is gonna change. Staying at Al Nassr? Yea.”
Recall that the 40-year-old on Sunday helped his national team to secure the Nation’s League for the second time four years after the Nation’s League was unveiled.
Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in December 2022 on a record-breaking deal, has played a transformative role both on and off the pitch.
His arrival marked a turning point for Saudi football, drawing global attention to the Saudi Pro League and triggering a wave of high-profile signings across the league.
During his time at Al Nassr so far, Ronaldo has delivered impressive performances, scoring consistently and helping the club remain competitive at the top level. His presence has not only boosted the club’s visibility but also played a key role in the league’s growing popularity worldwide.
The announcement of his continued stay is seen as a significant boost for Al Nassr and the Saudi Pro League as a whole. It also signals Ronaldo’s long-term commitment to the ambitious football project unfolding in the region.
[Punch]
Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has offered US president Donald Trump the chance to live in his house for a week to experience the reality of the war in Ukraine.
After Russian president Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Trump vowed to end the conflict “within 24 hours” of his presidency if he was elected for a second time.
However, the 78-year-old has been unable to do so and has blamed Ukraine leader Volodymyr Zelensky for “starting the war”.
Usyk, who dedicated his victory against Anthony Joshua in 2022 to the people of Ukraine, says Trump can live in his house for a week to better understand the situation in his country.
“I advise American President Donald Trump to come to Ukraine and live in my house for one week,” Usyk told BBC Sport.
“Only one week. I will give him my house
Historic Italian football club Brescia will cease to exist after 114 years following its owner’s decision not to honour a debt of three million euros.
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Italian businessman Massimo Cellino has owned the Lombardy club since 2017.
Cellino was previously the owner of English side Leeds, where he was principally known for his swing door policy of managerial ins-and-outs and his problems with the courts.
The 68-year-old had until Friday to pay part of Brescia’s eight million euros in tax arrears and other overdue tax.
Brescia’s failure to pay the sum has resulted in the club losing the right to take part in the Italian league system.
The club were deducted four points by the tribunal of the Italian football federation (FIGC) for their financial woes.
As a result of this sanction, Brescia, who finished the Serie B season in 15th place with 43 points, dropped to 18th place on 39 points – resulting in relegation to the third-tier Serie C.
Brescia spent 23 seasons in the top flight, most recently in 2019-20, with their best performance being an eighth-place finish in 2000-2001.
Famous past servants of the club include Italian internationals Roberto Baggio, Alessandro Altobelli, Andrea Pirlo and Luca Toni, as well as current Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola who played there in 2001-02 and 2003
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Portugal won for a 2nd time in its history the UEFA Nations League after a 2-2 draw in regular time against Spain and then by winning after penalties, as the only player that failed to score was Alvaro Morata, and he cost his nation the chance to triumph.
Spain took the lead in the match after 21 minutes when, after a fantastic attack, the ball ended in Martin Zubimendi, who scored 1-0.
However, only 5 minutes later, Portugal tied the result after great individual effort by Nuno Mendes, who scored into the bottom right corner for 1-1.
La Furia scored in the last minute of the regular time of the 1st half to take the lead for a 2nd time in the final as Pedri assisted Mikel Oyarzabal, who made it 2-1 in the 45th minute.
Selecao refused to give up and in the 61st minute, the world’s superstar Cristiano Ronaldo tied the result after the ball ended in his feet after a cross, and he scored 2-2.
However, minutes before the end of the regular time, Ronaldo was forced to leave as Goncalo Ramos entered in his place, while the other star on the pitch, but for the opponent, Lamine Yamal, was also substituted after the end of the 1st extra 15 minutes.
Alvaro Morato missed his penalty, while Portugal were 5 of 5 from the penalties and won the tournament
World heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has offered Donald Trump the chance to live in his house in a bid to help the United States president understand the war in Ukraine.
Trump had vowed to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine “in 24 hours” if he were elected president.
But there has been no end to Russia’s invasion since Trump returned to the White House in 2024.
Ukrainian boxer Usyk, who has been a tireless campaigner for peace in his homeland, believes Trump needs to have a clearer view of the dire situation if he is to find a solution to the crisis.
The 38-year-old has urged the president to join him at his house in Ukraine to see for himself the damage done by the war.
“I advise American President Donald Trump to come to Ukraine and live in my house for one week,” Usyk told BBC Sport on Sunday.
“Only one week. I will give him my house. Live please in Ukraine and watch what is going on every night.
“Every night, there are bombs and flights above my house. Bombs, rockets. Every night. It’s enough.”
Trump clashed with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky during a contentious summit meeting in the Oval Office in February.
Trump warned Zelensky to show more gratitude for America’s help in peace talks before telling him to leave the White House.
Asked if Trump could be convinced to change his opinion, Usyk said: “I don’t know. Maybe he’ll understand, maybe he won’t.”
Usyk, who has won all 23 of his professional bouts, is currently in a training camp to prepare for a rematch with IBF champion Daniel Dubois on July 19 at Wembley.
But the WBC, WBA, and WBO heavyweight champion said the war is never far from his mind.
“I worry about what happens in my country. It’s very bad because Ukrainian people have died,” he said.
“It’s not just military people, children, women, grandmothers and grandfathers, too.”
AFP
Al Hilal have booked the travel and medicals for Victor Osimhen after agreeing a €75million deal with Napoli.
The Saudi Pro League club are, however, waiting on Osimhen’s green light to proceed with the transfer.
This was confirmed by football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, via his X account on Saturday night.
“Al Hilal have booked travel and medical for Victor Osimhen, still waiting for his green light to the move.
“€75m deal in place with Napoli after new proposal revealed yesterday, depending on the player now,” Romano wrote.
DAILY POST reported that Osimhen has flown back to Nigeria as he prepares to make a decision on his next club.
The 26-year-old was close to sealing a move to Chelsea last summer, before he eventually agreed a one-year loan deal with Galatasaray.
Money In The Bank 2025: Seth Rollins, Naomi Secure Briefcase, John Cena Loses - see full results
AFOLABIWhile it may be a rung below WWE's "Big Four" premium live events, Money in the Bank is one of the most exciting and intriguing shows on the wrestling calendar each year. This year's edition delivered plenty of action, with Seth Rollins winning for the men’s WWE Money in the Bank 2025 ladder match and Naomi winning for the women. The night’s biggest surprise came in the main event, where R-Truth made a shocking return and interfered to dramatically change the outcome.
This year's event featured five matches, with both Intercontinental Championships being defended in addition to the titular men's and women's Money in the Bank ladder contests. In the lone non-MITB or championship match of the night, Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena teamed with Logan Paul against Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes.
The show opened with Naomi capturing the Money in the Bank briefcase for the first time in her career on her fifth try. Naomi’s win continues something of a career renaissance for the veteran, who has reinvented her character as a heel and now has a guaranteed championship opportunity, likely on "WWE SmackDown."
After an altercation at Worlds Collide earlier in the day, Dominik Mysterio defended his WWE Intercontinental Championship against AAA star Octagón Jr. It was an action-filled — albeit brief — contest that was a very late addition to Saturday's Money in the Bank card.
The other championship match on the card — between Becky Lynch and Lyra Valkyria — was another instant classic between the two Irish stars. The finish, which involved Lynch using heel tactics to score the win, leaves the door wide-open for a trilogy contest between these two later this summer.
The men’s Money in the Bank contest went for more than 33 minutes and devolved into chaos in the latter stages, with run-ins from Jacob Fatu, JC Mateo, Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker. After Fatu turned on Solo Sikoa, paying off an ongoing teased angle, Rollins won the Money in the Bank briefcase for the second time in his career.
The main event marked the first time Rhodes has wrestled since his loss to Cena at WrestleMania 41. It was a solid match that saw several high spots from Paul and the somewhat shocking return of R-Truth, who fans had chanted for all night after news of his WWE release earlier in the week. Truth, who faced Cena at Saturday Night’s Main Event two weeks ago, ran in from the crowd to attack the Undisputed WWE Champion, aiding Rhodes and Uso in the process. In the post-event press conference, WWE Chief Creative Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque said Truth's reported release was "all part of the show."
Here are the full results and analysis from Money in the Bank:
Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso defeat John Cena and Logan Paul
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Analysis: Uso has everything you want in a top champion. He’s solid in the ring and oozes charisma with his entrance and connection to the crowd. That’s what makes it so baffling as to why this isn’t clicking. Uso got beaten down for a significant portion of this match and, if we’re being completely honest, probably comes out of Saturday’s main event as the wrestler we’re talking about the least. We always knew we were getting Rhodes and Cena again sometime before the end of the retirement tour, so Rhodes getting the pin is unsurprising, even if it was satisfying. Paul had some hiccups, but also the drone superplex and the aforementioned best spot were innovative and maybe the in-ring high points of the night. Cena worked well with Paul and the story they told as a dysfunctional team was great during the match. The R-Truth return was a legitimately surprising moment. It’s just unclear if this can truly be a bigger launching point for him at this stage in his career, though it appears that he's being branded as Ron Killings, per WWE's latest merchandise offerings.
Seth Rollins win the men's Money in the Bank briefcase
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Analysis: Because of the Rollins stable, this match was always going to devolve into chaos due to outside interference. "The Visionary" winning his second MITB briefcase was absolutely the right call and gives him a quick, clear path to dominance on "WWE Raw." Every man in this match got at least one major, jaw-dropping spot and had a chance to shine, it’s just unfortunate that half the field would have been a baffling booking decision had they won. After turning on Sikoa, Fatu becomes a pure babyface and we know exactly where his next feud lies. The biggest loser here, in terms of status on the card, is LA Knight, who lost in this ladder match for the third year in a row. As far as when we will see a potential cash-in, Jey Uso faces Gunther this Monday and Rollins stealing the title could set up a SummerSlam main event against CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Becky Lynch win the Women's Intercontinental Championship
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Analysis: For the second PLE in a row, Lynch and Valkyria stole the show. This match delivered from both an in-ring and storytelling perspective and has us on a direct path toward a trilogy match between the two. Lynch has brought out the best in Valkyria, and since her return at WrestleMania 41 has shown why she is on the short list for the greatest female wrestlers of all-time. After the match we saw Valkyria snap and attack Lynch, which is the latest twist in her babyface mean streak. It will be interesting to see where WWE decides to put Lynch-Valkyria III. I can see it going on the Evolution card next month, but it could also demand the spotlight as part of the first two-night SummerSlam in August.
Dominik Mysterio retain the Intercontinental Championship
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Analysis: For the second consecutive PLE, we had an impressive — albeit brief — luchador showcase. The action was fast-paced and great, but I wonder if this would have been better served with more time on a "Raw" Netflix show. Mysterio’s taunting of the AAA stars could lead to a bigger tag match between them and the Judgment Day, which would be excellent. Otherwise, there’s not much to take away from this sub-five minute match.
Naomi secure the Women's Money in the Bank briefcase
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Analysis: In a match that seemingly had no bad possible outcome, Naomi’s win is an immediate breath of fresh air into the "SmackDown" women’s division and a payoff for the veteran who has overhauled her entire persona over the past few months. The MITB briefcase almost always works better with heel holding it compared to a babyface, and there’s a great full-circle moment to be told if Naomi cashes in on Tiffany Stratton in the near future. The other possibility, if WWE is ready to go this route, is for Jade Cargill to challenge for — or win — the WWE Women’s Championship and for Naomi to use the briefcase then. None of the women who competed in the night’s opener came out looking weaker, with Giulia in line for a Women’s United States Championship feud/run and "Raw’s" women’s division being deep and full of fresh matchups.
[Yahoo sports]